M4 closure RECAP: Chaos after crash on major UK motorway sparks huge queues

Traffic has mounted on the M4 this afternoon after a car crash[1] sparked a major emergency services response. The incident has left only one lane open on a section of the motorway near Junction 18 westbound, adding to existing disruption between Bristol and Bath caused by planned works on the new A432 Badminton Road Bridge. One man has been arrested on suspicion of a driving offence in connection with the crash.

Police said the driver "sought to leave the scene on foot" after "failing to observe the hard closure in place for roadworks", before being tracked down by a police helicopter. Follow the latest updates below...

17:50Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas

Vehicle recovery completed

A vehicle involved in the earlier crash on the M4 westbound between junctions J17 and J18, according to the latest National Highways updates. Normal traffic conditions are expected to return in the next half hour.

16:36Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas

Avoid the area, drivers urged

The M4 will be closed in both directions between J18 Tormarton and J19 M32, Bristol all weekend for planned bridge construction works.

Around 3,000 to 4,000 vehicles are estimated to use the section of motorway each hour during peak weekend periods - and even before today's crash, motorists had been advised to avoid the area and plan ahead if possible.

Please be reminded that the #M4[2] is closed in both directions between J18 (#Tormarton[3]) & J19 (#M32[4], #Bristol[5]) all weekend for planned bridge construction works. The road is due to re-open at 6am Monday morning. There's a 60 minute delay westbound and 45 mins eastbound. pic.twitter.com/rpYMhCZlXa[6]

-- National Highways: South-West (@HighwaysSWEST) October 25, 2025[7]16:05Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas

Work on new bridge to continue all weekend

The M4 is closed in both directions to allow steel beams for the new A432 Badminton Road Bridge to be lifted into place.

The closure between Bristol and Bath began last night at 7pm.

15:47Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas

Driver 'failed to observe closure in place'

The driver "sought to leave the scene on foot" after "failing to observe the hard closure in place for roadworks" near Junction 18 westbound shortly after midday, police said.

15:44Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas

Police issue statement

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: "We were called at 12.15pm after an incident on the M4 westbound near junction 18 this afternoon. "It was reported that the driver failed to observe the hard closure in place for roadworks and their vehicle a short time later had left the carriageway. "The driver then sought to leave the scene on foot.

"Efforts to locate the driver were carried out, supported by the National Police Air Service.

"A man has subsequently been arrested on suspicion of a driving offence and officers are taking him to hospital to be checked over.

"Vehicle recovery work will take place this afternoon."

15:38KEY EVENT

Driver arrested and rushed to hospital

A driver has been arrested and rushed to hospital following the incident, police said.

15:36Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas

Crash adds to existing disruption

The car crash was reported around the westbound exit at junction 18 this afternoon, where roadworks are taking place.

References

1. ^ car crash (www.mirror.co.uk)
2. ^ #M4 (twitter.com)
3. ^ #Tormarton (twitter.com)
4. ^ #M32 (twitter.com)
5. ^ #Bristol (twitter.com)
6. ^ pic.twitter.com/rpYMhCZlXa (t.co)
7. ^ October 25, 2025 (twitter.com)